What to do and see in Nagano, Chubu: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

August 9, 2021 Tonie Szymanski

One of the main attractions in Nagano is Zenkō-ji, a colorful 7th-century Buddhist temple with proud architecture and a humbling presence. The compound contains lovely gardens, a treasure house, sacred statues and a massive incense burner. Kids will love the “ancient” appeal of the Chausuyama Dinosaur Park, adjacent to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo. Test your stealth skills at the Chibikko Ninja Village, then reward your hard work with a tasting tour at the Nishi-no-Mon sake brewery.
Restaurants in Nagano

1. Zenko-ji Temple

I-491 Motoyoshicho, Nagano 380-0851 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-234-3591 http://www.zenkoji.jp/
Excellent
49%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,931 reviews

Zenko-ji Temple

Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States

We have visited Zenko-ji on three different sakura trips and each time the blossoms did not disappoint. The weeping tree on the side of the main hall is spectacular when in full bloom - not to be missed. Bridal shoots occur throughout the temple compound in this season, but especially at this tree. The grounds are lovely throughout. Don’t miss the trees behind the main hall and the many stone lanterns there and elsewhere. There are several small gardens with more flowering trees. If you stand near the photogenic bell tower long enough, you will be there when the ringer arrives, bows to the bell and using the beam suspended on ropes strikes the bell which resonates for a very long time. Statues abound, especially the seven Jizo Bodhisattva at the Sanmon Gate. Many side buildings are more peaceful and less crowded than the main hall area and they too contain statues, bells and lanterns. If you walk behind the main hall and up a bit you arrive at the pagoda which contains the Zenkoji History Museum. It can take several hours to walk around, view, and photograph all that is here. Take your time to enjoy the whole temple compound. There is a city bus that runs to the temple from the station, or you can walk up the hill to the temple from the station - it takes about 30 minutes. The road immediately in front of the gate is full of shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and food. Good soft ice cream can be had here. The streets running parallel to this one are very interesting and worth a stroll. Even if the cherry trees are not a peak, and even if it is not sakura season at all, Zenko-ji is definitely worth a visit.

1-4-4 Hakoshimizu Zenkoji Higashidonari Shiroyama Park Nai, Nagano 380-0801 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-232-0052 [email protected] http://www.npsam.com/
Excellent
45%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 105 reviews

Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery

Higashiyama Kaii Gallery is temporarily closed for renovation from May 31th 2017. Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum is also closed for reconstruction from October 1st 2017.

3. Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum

3688-12 Togakushi, Nagano 381-4101 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-254-2395 http://www.togakushi-ninja.com
Excellent
48%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 83 reviews

Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum

4. Matsushiro Zozan Chikago

479-11 Matsushiromachi-Nishijo, Nagano 381-1232 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-224-8316 http://www.city.nagano.nagano.jp/site/kanko-nagano/22100.html
Excellent
31%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 95 reviews

Matsushiro Zozan Chikago

5. Patio Daimon

54 Daimoncho, Nagano 380-0841 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-267-5323 http://patio-daimon.com/
Excellent
9%
Good
72%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 43 reviews

Patio Daimon

6. Sanada House

1 Matsushiro, Matsushiromachi, Nagano 381-1231 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-215-6702 http://www.sanadahoumotsukan.com/
Excellent
14%
Good
68%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 76 reviews

Sanada House

7. Nagano City Tourist Information Center

1038-4 Kurita Kitakawara, Nagano 380-0921 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-226-5626 http://www.nagano-cvb.or.jp/modules/page/tourist_office
Excellent
28%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 60 reviews

Nagano City Tourist Information Center

Reviewed By suebww11 - Queensland, Australia

This was our 2nd visit to Nagano so we knew to visit the Centre before we did anything else. Staff are all very helpful and made sure we understood directions etc. Helpful maps and tourist info in English (and other languages).

8. Midori Nagano

1 Minamichitose, Nagano 380-0823 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-224-1515 http://www.eki-midori.com/nagano/
Excellent
26%
Good
56%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 141 reviews

Midori Nagano

Reviewed By williamsM29HU - Kobe, Japan

A department store with Tokyu Hands! Lots of departments, restaurants and takeaway stalls. The 2nd floor includes a sake/wine bar with pickles and other bar food. They have lots of gift items and Yamato Transport to send them to your hotel or home.

9. Nagano Dentetsu

Nagano Nagano Prefecture +81 26-232-8121 http://www.nagaden-net.co.jp/
Excellent
18%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 62 reviews

Nagano Dentetsu

10. Nishimon Yoshinoya

941 Nishinomoncho, Nagano 380-0857 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-237-5000 http://www.nishinomon-yoshinoya.com/
Excellent
6%
Good
65%
Satisfactory
29%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 17 reviews

Nishimon Yoshinoya

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